Betting game with side betting options

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a betting game suitable for being incorporated into a card game involving community cards. Players qualify for a round of the betting game and have the option of placing side bets based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards. A dealer takes the side bets from qualified players exercising their option and then deals the community cards. Successful side bets are awarded according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards and rules governing the side betting, irrespective of continued participation in the round of the betting game.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage of PCT Application No.PCT/AU2010/00114 filed Sep. 7, 2010, which claims the benefit ofAustralian Patent Application No. 2009904273 filed Sep. 8, 2009. Bothapplications are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a side bet game for betting games whichutilise community cards. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to a betting game suitable for being incorporated into a cardgame involving community cards.

Community card games refer to any card games that use community cards(otherwise known as “shared cards” or “window cards”). Community cardsare cards shared by all players and usually dealt face up or exposedduring game play. In these types of games, each player is dealt aprivate and incomplete hand of cards, which are then combined with thecommunity cards to make a complete hand. Rules of each game determinehow community cards may be combined with each player's private hand ofcards. The most popular community card game of our days is Texashold'em, originating sometime in the 1920s. Other less popular, but wellknown community card games include, but are not limited to, Omaha,Pineapple, and Manila to name a few.

For the purposes of clarity and conciseness, discussion of thebackground art will refer to Texas hole'em as an example of atraditional community card game. In a traditional community card typegame, such as Texas hold'em, each player is dealt two private cards(facing down) after which there is a betting round. Then three communitycards are dealt facing up to form the “flop”, followed by a secondbetting round. A fourth community card known as the “turn” is dealtfollowed by a third betting round, and a fifth community card known asthe “river” is dealt and followed by a final betting round. At showdown,each player plays the best five-card hand using a combination of none,one, or two of the cards in his/her hands combined with the relativenumber of community cards to make a five-card hand. In other words, eachplayer has total number of seven cards from which to make a five-cardhand.

One of the issues faced with a traditional community card game, such asTexas hold'em, is that once a player decides to drop out of the game,that player must sit and wait for the betting round to complete with noinvolvement in the game at all. If a player was to be dealt a poor setof hands for a couple or a few rounds in a row, that player could findhimself/herself waiting for several minutes before having theopportunity to participate in betting and be entertained.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides additional opportunity for participationin a side bet game which is dependent on the community card gameirrespective of involvement in the community card game.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method forplaying a betting game that uses community cards during play. The methodcomprises the steps of allowing players to qualify for a round of thebetting game and providing an option for each qualified player to placea side bet based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the communitycards. Side bets are taken from each qualified player exercising theiroption and community cards are dealt during play. Each successful sidebet is awarded according to the predetermined sub-set of the communitycards and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespectiveof continued participation in the round.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided anapparatus for facilitating a betting game using community cards duringplay. The apparatus comprises a side bet tray for providing qualifiedplayers with a location to place an optional side bet being based solelyon a predetermined sub-set of the community cards. A successful side betis awarded according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cardsand also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective ofcontinued participation in the round.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided asystem for facilitating a betting game using community cards duringplay. The system comprises a casino chip tray, a plurality of playerseats, and a side bet tray. The side bet tray comprises a plurality ofbetting slots with the number of slots corresponding to the number ofplayer seats in a predefined ratio. The betting slots represent at leastone side betting option. The side bet tray provides qualified playerswith an opportunity to place an optional side bet. The optional side betis based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards. Asuccessful side bet is awarded according to the predetermined sub-set ofthe community cards and also according to rules governing side betting,irrespective of continued participation in the round.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computerbased betting game executed by one or more processors. The one or moreprocessors allow players to qualify for a round of the betting game andprovide an option for each qualified player to place a side bet basedsolely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards. The one ormore processors also allow for side bets to be taken from each qualifiedplayer exercising their option and community cards to be dealt duringplay. The one or more processors award each successful side betaccording to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards and alsoaccording to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continuedparticipation in the round.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided acomputer medium carrying one or more sequences of instructions. Theinstructions are executed by one or more processors adapted to allowplayers to qualify for a round of the betting game and provide an optionfor each qualified player to place a side bet based solely on apredetermined sub-set of the community cards. The one or more processorsare also adapted to take side bets from each qualified player exercisingtheir option, and deal community cards during play. The one or moreprocessors are also adapted to award each successful side bet accordingto the predetermined sub-set of the community cards and also accordingto rules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participationin the round.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided aninternet based betting game executed by one or more remote servers. Theone or more remote servers cause one or more player terminals to allowplayers to qualify for a round of the betting game and provide an optionfor each qualified player to place a side bet based solely on apredetermined sub-set of the community cards. The one or more remoteservers further cause one or more player terminals to allow for sidebets to be taken from each qualified player exercising their option andcommunity cards to be dealt during play. The one or more remote serversfurther cause one or more player terminals to award each successful sidebet according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards andalso according to rules governing side betting, irrespective ofcontinued participation in the round.

In the specification the term “comprising” shall be understood to have abroad meaning similar to the term “including” and will be understood toimply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers orsteps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group ofintegers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on theterm “comprising” such as “comprise” and “comprises.”

BRIEF DETAILS OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put intopractical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanyingdrawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, andwherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a top view of a system for a betting gameaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a perspective side view of a player bettingslot of the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a is an illustration of a computer device based betting gameaccording to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 b is an illustration of the components used in a computer deviceused in the betting game described with reference to FIG. 3 a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Variations of Community Card Main Games

The betting game of the present invention can be incorporated into anyone of many original/existing games or any variation(s) of well knowngames so long as they involve community cards. For example, the bettinggame of the present invention can be incorporated into:

-   -   Texas hold'em;    -   Omaha;    -   Pineapple;    -   Manila;    -   5-Card Stud; or    -   7-Card Stud.

Further Variations of Community Card Main Games

In addition to the above-listed community card betting games, thebetting game of the present invention can be incorporated into thefollowing variations of community card games:

Pineapple—No Throw Away

This is a variation of Pineapple with modified rules. Unlike thestandard Pineapple game, players are not allowed to throw away any ofthe three private cards. A winning hand must be formed using up to twoof the three private cards in combination with one or more of thecommunity cards.

One Card Hold'Em—Must Use Card

This is a variation of Texas hole'em where a player is dealt two privatecards but the player must use at least one private card, which must beused to form a winning hand in combination with up to four of thecommunity cards.

One Card Hold'Em—Don't Have to Use Card

This is a variation of Texas hole'em where a player is dealt only oneprivate card. The player can choose whether or not to use the privatecard to form a winning hand. In other words, a player can use four orfive of the community cards.

Two Card Hold'Em—Must Use Two Cards

This is a variation of Texas hole'em where a player is dealt two privatecards. Both private cards must be used to form a winning hand incombination with three of the community cards.

Two Card Hold'Em—Must Use One Card

This is a variation of Texas hole'em where a player is dealt two privatecards. The player must choose one of the two private cards to form awinning hand in combination with four or three of the community cardsrespectively.

Four Card Hold'Em

This is a new game where a player is dealt four private cards. Under onevariation of this new game, the player must use 1 of the private cardsto form a winning hand in combination with four of the community cards.Under another variation of this new game, the player must use two of theprivate cards to form a winning hand in combination with three of thecommunity cards. Under yet another variation of this new game, theplayer must use three of the private cards to form a winning hand incombination with two of the community cards.

Five Card Hold'Em

This is a similar game to the Four card hole'em game described directlyabove with one variation in that a player is dealt five private cards. Aplayer can use none, one, two, three, four, or five private cardscombined with five, four, three, two, one or none of the community cardsrespectively to form a winning hand.

Six Card Hold'Em

This is a similar game to the Four card hole'em game described directlyabove with one variation in that a player is dealt six private cards. Aplayer can use none, one, two, three, four, five, or six private cardscombined with six, five, four, three, two, one or none of the communitycards respectively to form a winning hand.

Five Card Omaha

This is a variation of Omaha where the player is dealt 5 private cardsand must use two of the private cards to form a winning hand incombination with one or more of the community cards.

Six Card Omaha

This is a variation of Omaha where the player is dealt 6 private cardsand must use two of the private cards to form a winning hand incombination with one or more of the community cards.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the betting gamewill be described as being incorporated into a traditional poker game,such as Texas hold'em. The apparatus 10, which here is in the form of aside betting tray in FIGS. 1 and 2 is shown to be removably attached toa standard casino chip tray 12.

On commencement of each round of the betting game, each player 14-1 . .. 14-n is presented with the opportunity to qualify for participation ina round of the betting game. Qualifying for a round of the betting gamecan include placing an initial bet, commonly known as “blind or anti”.In return for the initial bet (blind or anti), a qualifying player isdealt two private cards 13. Once qualified for participation in a roundof the betting game, each player 14-1 . . . 14-n is provided with anoption to place a side bet, noting that the two private cards 13 areirrelevant of the actual side bet. Alternatively, qualifying for a roundof the betting game could be determined by a player's position aroundthe casino chip tray 12 relative to the position of other players.

Side bets are placed on the apparatus 10 separate from the casino chiptray 12 so that side bets are not mixed up with any bets being wageredin the normal course of the game. The side bet is based solely on apredetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 used in thetraditional poker game. In this exemplary embodiment, the Texas hold'embetting game is adopting the use of five community cards 20 of whichthree cards are used as the predetermined sub-set 18 of the communitycards 20. This predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 isused to determine the outcome of the side betting according to rulesthat govern the side betting. The outcome of the side betting isindependent of the Texas hole'em betting game. Consequently, awardingthe side bets is irrespective of continued participation in the round.

According to this exemplary embodiment of the invention, the apparatus10 allows each player 14-1 . . . 14-n to place one or more side bets ina designated player betting slot 22-1 . . . 22-n. Each player 14-1 . . .14-n may place a bet in a betting slot 24-1 . . . 24-10 according to avariety of side bet types. Each player 14-1 . . . 14-n can bet onwhether the sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 are:

-   -   Bonus Only 24-1;    -   All Red 24-2;    -   All Black 24-3;    -   Majority Red 24-4;    -   Majority Black 24-5;    -   Odd 24-6;    -   Even 24-7;    -   Over 24-8;    -   Under 24-9; or    -   8 8 8 24-10 (or any variation of a set sequence, such as 6 6 6        or Q Q Q).

For example, player 14-2 may place a side bet on player betting slot22-2 betting on the predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20being Majority Red 24-4. Optionally, player 14-2 may wish to place aside bet on betting slot Majority Red 24-4 and also place a side bet onbetting slot Even 24-7, therefore betting on the predetermined sub-set18 of the community cards 20 being Majority Red and Even. Each player14-1 . . . 14-n can place as many side bets as the apparatus 10 allowsthem to. From this, it can be seen that the number of betting slots 22-1. . . 22-n corresponds to the number of players 14-1 . . . 14-n in apredefined ratio. For example, if there are 10 players and there are 10side bet options, the apparatus 10 will preferably have 100 bettingslots. Alternatively, if there are 5 players and there are 10 side betoptions, only 50 betting slots of the apparatus 10 will be used.

Once all side bets have been placed, the dealer 16 deals out the privatecards 13. The side bet game is now live and each player who has placed aside bet is involved in the side bet game regardless of whether thatplayer continues to participate in the course of the Texas hold'em game.

In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, apparatus 10includes printed information 26 providing an explanation of the rulesgoverning the side bet game. Apparatus 10 may further include printedinformation 28 providing an explanation of the payout odds. Printedinformation 26 and 28 is suitably positioned in an area of chip tray 12viewable by all players 14-1 . . . 14-n. For example, printedinformation 26 and 28 is preferably displayed in an area of the chiptray 12 devoid of any cards or chips. In an alternative embodiment ofthe present invention, printed information 26 and 28 is also displayedon player betting slots 22-1 . . . 22-n.

Variations of Non-Community Card Main Game

The betting game of the present invention can also be incorporated intoa number of original/existing games that do not involve community cards.For example, the betting game of the present invention can beincorporated into:

-   -   Blackjack; or    -   Baccarat.

In the case of original/existing games with no community cards, such asBlackjack or Baccarat, a winning hand can be formed using the first twocards in the player's hands (private cards) combined with the firstface-up card of the dealer. The face-up card of the dealer is not acommunity card. Although it may be viewed by all players, it may only beused by the dealer.

Variation of Side Bet Types

As previously mentioned, in one embodiment of the present invention thebetting game provides the following variety of side bet types:

-   -   Bonus Only;    -   All Red;    -   All Black    -   Majority Red;    -   Majority Black;    -   Odd;    -   Even;    -   Over;    -   Under; or    -   8 8 8 (or any variation of a set sequence, such as 6 6 6 or Q Q        Q).

In the exemplary embodiment described above, the predetermined sub-setof community cards used for the side bet consists of 3 cards. Thefollowing is an explanation of the winning hands for each of theabove-listed variety of side bet types:

Bonus Only

A side bet on the “Bonus Only” side betting slot is a side bet on a3-card winning poker hand. In other words, in this example, where thepredetermined sub-set of community cards is made up of three cards, theside bet is governed by forming a 3-card winning poker hand, such as astraight (Ace King Queen or 7 8 9), or Flush (6♡ 9♡ 4♡). It will beappreciated that in the event where the predetermined sub-set ofcommunity cards is made up of four cards, the side bet would be governedby forming a 4-card winning poker hand, such as a straight (Ace KingQueen Jack), or a Flush (7

Queen

9

Ace

). The main difference between the “Bonus Only” side betting slot andsome of the other side betting slots is that the rules governing theside bet are not dependent on colour or number betting.

All Red

In the event of a player placing an initial side bet on All Red:

Three red cards

Winning hand Three black cards

Losing hand Two red cards and one black card

Losing hand One red card and two black cards

Losing hand 3 card winning poker hand

Qualify for bonus game

Regardless of winning or losing the initial side bet, the player mayqualify for a bonus game payout. A player may qualify for a bonus gamepayout if the three cards return a 3 card winning poker hand. Forexample, if a player places a side bet on All Red and the sub-set ofcommunity cards return 7

8

9♦, this is a losing hand in terms of the All Red rules. However, thisforms a 3 card winning poker hand, a straight. Therefore, this playerqualifies for a bonus game (explained below).

In an alternative embodiment, the side bet game may or may not involvebonus payout games at all.

All Black

In the event of a player placing an initial side bet on All Black:

Three black cards

Winning hand Three red cards

Losing hand Two black cards and one red card

Losing hand One black card and two red cards

Losing hand 3 card winning poker hand

Qualify for bonus game

Majority Red

In the event of a player placing an initial side bet on Majority Red:

Two red cards and one black card

Winning hand One red card and two black cards

Losing hand Three red cards

Losing hand Three black cards

Losing hand 3 card winning poker hand

Qualify for bonus game

Majority Black

In the event of a player placing an initial side bet on Majority Black:

Two black cards and one red card

Winning hand One black card and two red cards

Losing hand Three black cards

Losing hand Three red cards

Losing hand 3 card winning poker hand

Qualify for bonus game

Odd

A side bet on the “Odd” side betting slot is a side bet on theaccumulative total of the predetermined sub-set of community cardsadding up to an odd value. According to the rules governing this sidebet variation, a picture card (K, Q or J) equates to 10. The Ace card(A) equates to either 1 or 11. Therefore, as an example, if thepredetermined sub-set comprised of three cards and the three cards were:8 7 J, the accumulative total of 8+7+10=25 and is therefore odd. Asanother example, if the three cards were: 5 5 Q, the accumulative totalof 5+5+10=20 is therefore even.

In the event of a player placing an initial side bet on Odd:

Accumulative total of the three cards =

Winning hand Odd value Accumulative total of the three cards =

Losing hand Even value 3 card winning poker hand

Qualify for bonus game

In an alternative embodiment to the “Odd” side betting slot, the rulesgoverning this side bet variation can include a further requirement ofhaving to be over or under a base number. For example, the dealer (orcasino) may set a base number of 20 and a rule that the accumulativetotal of the predetermined sub-set of community cards has to be over thebase number. In this case, a side bet on the “Odd” side betting slot isa side bet against the accumulative total of the predetermined sub-setof community cards being: a) Odd; and b) over 20. For example, A K Qwould be a winning hand as it has an accumulative total of 31, which isan odd number and is over 20. A hand of 5 7 7 is a losing have as it hasan accumulative total of 19, which is odd but is below the base numbervalue of 20.

Even

Akin to the rules governing the “Odd” side betting slot, the “Even” sidebetting slot is a side bet on the accumulative total of thepredetermined sub-set of community cards adding up to an even value.

In the event of a player placing an initial side bet on Even:

Accumulative total of the three cards =

Winning hand Even value Accumulative total of the three cards =

Losing hand Odd 3 card winning poker hand

Qualify for bonus game

Similarly to the side betting slot of “Odd”, the side betting slot of“Even” can run under an alternative embodiment whereby the rule caninclude a further requirement of having to be over or under a basenumber. For example, the dealer (or casino) may set a base number valueof 18 and a rule that the accumulative total of the predeterminedsub-set of community cards has to be under the base number. In thiscase, a side bet placed on the side betting slot of “Even” is a side betagainst the accumulative total of the predetermined sub-set of communitycads being: a) Even; and b) lower than 18. For example, 9 5 K would be alosing hand as the accumulative total is 24, which is higher than 18. Ahand of 8 4 4 is a winning hand because the accumulative total is 16,which is even and lower than 18.

Over

A side bet on the “Over” side betting slot is a side bet on theaccumulative total of the predetermined sub-set of community cardsadding up to a value higher than a predetermined base number. Forexample, if the base number is 8, and the predetermined sub-set ofcommunity cards comprises of three cards, a player placing a side bet onthe “Over” side betting slot would be betting on whether theaccumulative total of the three cards adds up to a value over 8. In thisexample,

Accumulative total of 3 cards over 8

Winning hand Accumulative total of 3 cards under 8

Losing hand 3 card winning poker hand

Qualify for bonus game

Under

Akin to the rules governing the “Over” side betting slot, the “Under”side betting slot is a side bet on the accumulative total of thepredetermined sub-set of community cards adding up to a value lower thana predetermined base number. For example, if the base number is 9, andthe predetermined sub-set of community cards comprises of three cards, aplayer placing a side bet on the “Under” side betting slot would bebetting on whether the accumulative total of the three cards adds up toa value under 9. In this example,

Accumulative total of 3 cards under than 9

Winning hand Accumulative total of 3 cards over than 9

Losing hand 3 card winning poker hand

Qualify for bonus game8 8 8

A side bet on the “8 8 8” side betting slot is a side bet that all threeof the predetermined sub-set of community cards are the 8 card. Theexample give here is in accordance with the predetermined sub-set ofcommunity cards being made up of a three cards. However, it is to beappreciated that in an alternative embodiment where, for example, thepredetermined sub-set of community cards is made up of four cards, theside betting slot might be a side bet on “Ace Ace Ace Ace” or “K K K K”.The set sequence of “8 8 8” is given as an example as this sequencerepresents a lucky number in Chinese culture. However, it is to beappreciated that there may be numerous variations of a set sequence thatrepresent a side betting slot. For example, the set sequence of “6 6 6”is known as the number of the beast, while the set sequence of “Q Q Q”may represent three daughters.

With the exception of the “Bonus Only” side betting slot, qualifying fora bonus payout game is a two tier qualification process. First, a playermust win the initial side bet according the rules governing the specificside bet type. Secondly, the predetermined sub-set of community cardsmust form a 3-card winning poker hand. The rules governing the “Bonuspayout game” are described below.

Bonus Payout Game

If a player has won a side bet game, that player will qualify for abonus payout game if the 3 cards return any of the following 3 cardwinning poker hands:

-   Any pair—Example: King♡+King♦+9    —Example odds: 3:1;-   Flush—Example: 4♦+8♦+Jack♦—Example odds: 5:1;-   Straight—Example: 3♡+4♦+5    —Example odds: 7:1;-   Three of a kind—Example: 7♡+7♦+7    —Example odds: 10:1;-   Straight flush Example: 2♡+3♡+4♡—Example odds: 20:1;-   or-   Royal Straight—Example: Ace♡+King♡+Queen♡—Example odds: 500:1.

As an example, if a player places a side bet on “Majority Red”, and the3 cards return:

-   -   Ace♡+Ace♦+7        The player wins the side bet because there are 2 red cards and 1        black card. In addition, the player qualifies for a bonus payout        because the 3 cards form a pair, that being a pair of Aces.

Alternatively, if a player places a side bet on “Majority Red”, and the3 cards return:

-   -   Ace♡+Jack♦+8        Similarly to the previous example, the player wins the side bet        because there are 2 red cards and 1 black card. However, unlike        the previous example, the player has not qualified for a bonus        payout because the 3 cards do not form any of the above-listed 3        card winning poker hands.

As mentioned above, there is one exception to qualifying for a bonuspayout game, and that occurs in the event of placing a side bet on the“Bonus Only” side betting slot. For example, if a player places a sidebet on the “Bonus Only” side betting slot and the three cards return:

-   -   10♡+9♦+8♡        That player qualifies for a bonus payout game by virtue of        having formed a 3-card winning poker hand. The 3 cards are not        considered against any of the other rules such as “Odd”, “All        Black”, “Over”, etc.

Royal Straight—Super Bonus Payout Games

In the event of the predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20forming a three card royal straight (Ace, King, Queen of same suit), thewinning player could be dealt a first extra card (not shown) for theopportunity to combine with the predetermined sub-set 18 of communitycards 20 to form a second tier (4 card) royal straight. In this event,the fourth card must be a Jack in a matching suit. In the event of thepredetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 plus the first extracard forming a four card royal straight, the winning player could bedealt a second extra card (not shown) for the opportunity to combinewith the predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 plus thefirst extra card to form a third tier (5 card) royal straight, which iscommonly known as a royal flush. In this event, the fifth card must be a10 in a matching suit. The rules of the bonus payout game could be setup such that the winning player can be awarded at each stage of themulti-tier betting arrangement, meaning the outcome of the next stagedoes not affect the award; or such that at the end of each stage, theplayer may choose to accept the award at offer or risk the award for achance to play a further stage of the bonus payout game for a chance toreceive a larger reward. Example odds of a 5 card royal flush are1000:1.

Royal Flush—Super Bonus Payout Games

The super bonus payout games can be set up to provide extremely highrewards for combinations of cards with extremely low odds or low chancesof success. For example, in the event of a 5-card royal flush, a playermay choose to play for a fourth tier (6-card) royal flush. This would becalled a jackpot royal flush. In this event, the sixth card must of a 9in a matching suit. Furthermore, the player may choose to play for afifth tier (7-card) royal flush. This would be called a super jackpotroyal flush. In this event, the seventh card must be an 8 in a matchingsuit. And as a final example, the player may choose to play for a sixthtier (8-card) royal flush. This would also be called a super jackpotroyal flush. In this event, the eighth card must be a 7 in a matchingsuit. The rules governing the super bonus payout games may be extendedas desired by the dealer or casino establishment.

Potential Royal Flush—Super Bonus Payout Games

In the event of a predetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20forming a potential royal flush, a player may choose to play the“Potential Royal Flush” super bonus payout game. For example, if thepredetermined sub-set 18 of the community cards 20 returned A

J

10

, then a player may choose to play the “Potential Royal Flush” superbonus payout game for the chance to form a royal flush of A

K

Q

J

10

. Similarly to the previous side bet type, a player may choose to playfor further tiered royal flush, such as a 6-card royal flush A

K

Q

J

10

9

. Higher payouts are rewarded for further tiered royal flushcombinations having lower odds or lower chance of success.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the rulesgoverning the “Bonus Only” side betting slot can be formed such that theside bet is not restricted to the predetermined sub-set of the communitycards.

For example, a royal flush, a pair, three of a kind, a straight, or anyother winning hand for a side bet payout can be formed from acombination of the player's private cards and the subset of communitycards. That is to say, under this alternative embodiment, a 5-card royalflush may be formed using none, one or two of the player's private cardsrespectively with five, four or three of the subset of community cardsto form a winning hand. In another example, three of a kind may beformed using none, one or two of the player's private cards inrespective combination with three, two or one of the subset of communitycards.

Summary of Bonus Payout Games

Bonus payout games include the sub-set 18 of the community cards 20forming any one of the following hands: any pair; flush; straight; threeof a kind; straight flush royal straight; royal flush; jackpot royalflush; or super jackpot royal flush.

-   -   a royal straight includes a combination of A K Q J of the same        kind;    -   a royal flush includes a combination of A K Q J 10 of the same        kind;    -   a jackpot royal flush includes a combination of A K Q J 10 9 of        the same kind; and    -   a super jackpot royal flush includes a combination of seven or        more cards of the same kind beginning with A and descending down        the order of a card deck. For example, A K Q J 10 9 8♡.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, certain sidebetting slots may be governed by rules that allow a winning hand to beformed from a combination of the subset of community cards and theplayer's private cards.

In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, thebetting game can be played on its own. In this exemplary embodiment, theapparatus 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is to be viewed as standaloneapparatus used to run the betting game. Each player 14-1 . . . 14-n isgiven the opportunity to place a bet in a player betting slot 22-1 . . .22-n and hence qualify for a round of the betting game. Each player 14-1. . . 14-n may place one or more bets on the predetermined sub-set ofcommunity cards 18 betting on the following side betting slots:

-   -   Bonus Only 24-1;    -   All Red 24-2;    -   All Black 24-3;    -   Majority Red 24-4;    -   Majority Black 24-5;    -   Odd 24-6;    -   Even 24-7;    -   Over 24-8;    -   Under 24-9; or    -   8 8 8 24-10 (or any variation of a set sequence, such as 6 6 6        or Q Q Q).

For example, player 14-1 may place a side bet on player betting slot22-1 betting on the predetermined sub-set of community cards 18 being“Majority Black” 24-5. Optionally, player 14-1 may wish to place a sidebet on the predetermined sub-set of community cards 18 being “Over” 24-8meaning that the accumulative value of the predetermined sub-set ofcommunity cards 18 is over a predetermined base number. Player 14-1 mayalso place a side bet on “Odd” 24-6. Each player 14-1 . . . 14-n canplace as many side bets as the apparatus 10 allows them to. The rulesgoverning bonus payout games described above in relation to the firstembodiment are also applicable to this second embodiment where the sidebet game is played on its own.

FIG. 2 shows printed information 26 and 28 displayed on each of bettingslots 24-1 . . . 24-10. Similarly to the printed information on the chiptray 12 in FIG. 1, the printed information 26 and 28 may provide anexplanation of the rules governing the side bet game or an explanationof the payout odds or both. The printed information 26 and 28 can beprinted on any side of each player betting slot 22-1 . . . 22-n and atany angle depending on the position of the player betting slots 22-1 . .. 22-n relative to the players 14-1 . . . 14-n. In an alternativeembodiment, the printed information may be in the form of an electronicdisplay which displays information relative to specific requirements.For example, the display of information may change according to the sidebet game being played.

FIG. 3 a is used to describe a third embodiment of the present inventionwherein players participate in a betting game via player terminals 30-1. . . 30-n connected to one or more remote servers 32-1 . . . 32-n. Inthis embodiment of the present invention, there can be any number of aplurality of different types of player terminals such as Personalcomputers 30-1, mobile devices 30-2, laptop computers 30-3, pokermachines 30-4, or gaming consoles 30-n or other devices capable ofInternet connectivity. The player terminals 30-1 . . . 30-n cancommunicate with the one or more remote servers 32-1 . . . 32-n viadirect connection, wireless connection, Local Area Network (LAN); WideArea Network (WAN), or via the Internet, or may be completely standalone as shown with the poker machine 30-4. Remote servers 32-1 . . .32-n can be located at any location in the world and can act as a dealerin the betting game. Remote servers 32-1 . . . 32-n can be controlledvia software or human interaction. The player terminals 30-1 . . . 30-ncan also be located anywhere in the world and are not restricted tobeing at the same location as any other player terminal or remoteserver. In the example of the betting being played via a poker machine30-4, the betting game may be played with or without private cards. Inother words, the poker machine 30-4 may be set up with a number of reelsfor community cards in absence of any reels for player private cards; ormay alternatively be set up with a number of reels for community cardsplus extra reels for dealing out one or more player private cards.

FIG. 3 b shows the components that may be used in a computer device 34as mentioned in FIG. 3 a. In this exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, a computer device 34 is shown to comprise of a storagecomponent 35 and a processor 36 in communication with each other. Thecomputer device 34 is also in communication with a display 37. Thedisplay 37 may be integrated into the computer device 34 in the case ofa hand held device, a laptop or a poker machine; or may be external tothe computer device 34 in the case of a personal desktop computer or agaming console. The computer device 34 may comprise further components(not shown) for external communication. For example, the computer device34 may comprise connections for a modem, or a network interface card, oran antenna, or Audio/Video connections, or coaxial connections.

In this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, participation inthe betting game is much the same as that described in the first andsecond embodiments above. In other words, a player may participate inthe betting game as though the betting game is incorporated into anoriginal or existing game, which utilises community cards, or in thebetting game as a game on its own.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the betting game of the presentinvention can be used to conduct a tournament or incorporated into atypical poker tournament. In this exemplary embodiment, tournament chipsare awarded for a win. The tournament chips can be used to awarding awin in an original/existing game, or a side bet, or both. Such a bettinggame could be set up to reward side bets with tournament chip, whichwould improve a player's chances of progressing or winning thetournament. Alternatively, such a betting game could be set up to rewarda player with different types of tournament chips. One type oftournament chips could be used to participate in the original/existinggame (regular tournament chips), while the second type of tournamentchips could be used for side bets only (side bet chips). In a furtheralternative embodiment, such a betting game could be set up such thatafter a predetermined time interval, a player may exchange side betchips for regular tournament chips, which would also improve a player'schances in progressing or winning the tournament.

In an exemplary embodiment of playing the betting game via the Internet,participation in the betting game may involve payment of an initial feefollowed by verification of a valid credit card or funds to securepayment of further betting. Alternatively, players may have to purchasebetting widgets such as e-chips prior to placing a bet. As a furtheralternative, the betting game may be based on a points system wherein abet is represented by wagering a certain number of points or widgetswhich are obtainable in ways other than money. These points or widgetscan be built up through a loyalty or rewards scheme. For example, aplayer may be awarded a certain number of widgets to play with uponregistration on a website. Further widgets may be earned by introducingfriends to register on that website.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment of playing the game on pokermachines, hand held devices, personal computers or computer consolesthat may or may not be connected to the Internet, the betting game maybe purchased, downloaded or installed as a software game or softwareapplication. In this exemplary embodiment, the betting game can beplayed with or without a connection to a remote server. The game may beset up such that play takes place within a web browser, or such that thegame takes place within a separate program or user interface outside ofa web browser. Furthermore. the game may be set up such that the role ofa dealer is embedded into the game and provided by the software or suchthat each of the participating players acts as a dealer on a rotationbasis.

It is to be understood that the above embodiments have been providedonly by way of exemplification of this invention, and that furthermodifications and improvements thereto, as would be apparent to personsskilled in the relevant art, are deemed to fall within the broad scopeand ambit of the present invention described herein.

1. An apparatus for facilitating a main betting game with side betpossibility, said game using community cards during play of the mainbetting game, said apparatus comprising a playing surface for normalgame play of the main betting game and a side bet tray which isseparated from the playing surface used for normal game play, said sidebet tray providing qualified players with a location to place anoptional side bet, said optional side bet being based solely on apredetermined sub-set of the community cards dealt in the main bettinggame, wherein a successful side bet is awarded according to thepredetermined sub-set of the community cards dealt in the main bettinggame, and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespectiveof continued participation in the round.
 2. The apparatus according toclaim 1, said apparatus being removably attachable to a casino chiptray.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said side bet traycomprises betting slots representing side betting options.
 4. A systemfor facilitating a main betting game with side bet possibility, saidgame using community cards during play of the main betting game, saidsystem comprising a casino chip tray, a plurality of player seats, aplaying surface for normal game play of the main betting game and a sidebet tray which is separated from the playing surface used for normalgame play, said side bet tray comprising a plurality of betting slots,the number of betting slots corresponding to the number of player seatsin a predefined ratio, said betting slots representing at least one sidebetting option, wherein said side bet tray provides qualified playerswith an opportunity to place an optional side bet, said optional sidebet being based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cardsdealt in the main betting game, wherein a successful side bet is awardedaccording to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards dealt inthe main betting game, and also according to rules governing sidebetting, irrespective of continued participation in the round.
 5. Thesystem according to claim 4, said side bet tray being removablyattachable to said casino chip tray.
 6. The system according to claim 4,wherein said betting slots allow qualified players to place one or moreside bets on whether the sub-set of the community cards are selectedfrom the group including: Red or Black; Odd or Even; and/or Over orUnder, wherein the sum of the face value of the sub-set of the communitycards is more than or less than a predetermined number.
 7. A computerbased betting game, which game when executed by one or more processorscauses the one or more processors to: display a playing surface fornormal game play of a main betting game, the playing surface including aside bet tray which is separated from the playing surface used fornormal game play; allow players to qualify for a round of the mainbetting game; provide an option for each qualified player to place aside bet based solely on a predetermined sub-set of community cardsdealt in the main betting game; take a side bet from each qualifiedplayer exercising their option and displaying the side bet in the a sidebet tray displayed; deal community cards during play dealt in the mainbetting game; and award each successful side bet according to thepredetermined sub-set of the community cards, and also according torules governing side betting, irrespective of continued participation inthe round.
 8. The computer based betting game according to claim 7,wherein the computer based betting game is a video poker machine.
 9. Thecomputer based betting game according to claim 7, wherein the computerbased betting game is a video gaming console.
 10. The computer basedbetting game according to claim 7, wherein the computer based bettinggame is a hand held device.
 11. A computer readable medium carrying oneor more sequences of instructions, said instructions being executed byone or more processors, said one or more processors adapted to: displaya playing surface for normal game play of a main betting game, theplaying surface including a side bet tray which is separated from theplaying surface used for normal game play allow players to qualify for around of the main betting game; provide an option for each qualifiedplayer to place a side bet based solely on a predetermined sub-set ofcommunity cards dealt in the main betting game; take a side bet fromeach qualified player exercising their option and displaying the sidebet in the a side bet tray displayed; deal community cards during playdealt in the main betting game; and award each successful side betaccording to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards, and alsoaccording to rules governing side betting, irrespective of continuedparticipation in the round.
 12. An internet based betting game, whichgame when executed by one or more remote servers causes one or moreplayer terminals to: display a playing surface for normal game play of amain betting game, the playing surface including a side bet tray whichis separated from the playing surface used for normal game play; allowplayers to qualify for a round of the main betting game; provide anoption for each qualified player to place a side bet based solely on apredetermined sub-set of community cards dealt in the main betting game;take a side bet from each qualified player exercising their option anddisplaying the side bet in the a side bet tray displayed; deal communitycards during play dealt in the main betting game; and award eachsuccessful side bet according to the predetermined sub-set of thecommunity cards, and also according to rules governing side betting,irrespective of continued participation in the round.
 13. A method forplaying a betting game, said game using community cards during play, themethod utilising an apparatus according to claim 1, said methodcomprising the steps of: allowing players to qualify for a round of thebetting game; providing an option for each qualified player to place aside bet based solely on a predetermined sub-set of the community cards;taking a side bet from each qualified player exercising their option;dealing the community cards during play; and awarding each successfulside bet according to the predetermined sub-set of the community cards,and also according to rules governing side betting, irrespective ofcontinued participation in the round.
 14. The method according to claim13, wherein allowing players to qualify for a round of the betting gameincludes dealing private cards to each player.
 15. The method accordingto claim 13, wherein allowing players to qualify for a round of thebetting game includes taking a bet from each player wanting to qualifyat commencement of the betting game.
 16. The method according to claim13, wherein placing a side bet on the predetermined sub-set of thecommunity cards includes placing one or more side bets on a side bettingslot of the following side bet types: Bonus Only; All Red; All Black;Majority Red; Majority Black; Odd; Even; Over; or Under; 8 8 8, or anyvariation of a set sequence.
 17. The method according to claim 13,wherein a qualified player may further qualify to play a bonus payoutgame.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein furtherqualification to play a bonus payout game includes the sub-set ofcommunity cards forming any one of the following hands: any pair; flush;straight; three of a kind; straight flush; royal straight; royal flush;jackpot royal flush; or super jackpot royal flush; wherein a royalstraight includes a combination of A K Q J of the same kind; a royalflush includes a combination of A K Q J 10 of the same kind; a jackpotroyal flush includes a combination of A K Q J 10 9 of the same kind; anda super jackpot royal flush includes a combination of seven or morecards of the same kind beginning with A and descending down the order ofa card deck.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, in the eventof the sub-set of community cards forming a royal straight, thequalified player is dealt an extra card for the opportunity to form asecond tier royal straight and be awarded a higher prize if the secondtier royal straight is formed.
 20. The method according to claim 19,wherein if the royal flush run continues, the qualified player issubsequently dealt further cards for the opportunity to form subsequenttier royal straights while each formation of subsequent tier royalstraights awards the qualified player with increasing prizes.
 21. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein said betting game is any one of:Texas hold'em; Omaha; Pineapple; Manila; 5-Card Stud; 7-Card Stud;Pineapple—no throw away; One card hole'em—must use card; One cardhole'em—don't have to use card; Two card hole'em—must use two cards; Twocard hole'em—must use one card; Four card hold'em; Five card hold'em;Six card hold'em; Five card Omaha; or Six card Omaha.
 22. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the rules governing side betting includeawarding payout bonuses for predetermined combinations of thepredetermined sub-set of the community cards.
 23. The method accordingto claim 22, wherein a predetermined combination eligible for a payoutbonus includes: each of the predetermined sub-set of the community cardsto be the eight card.
 24. The method according to claim 14, wherein theside bet is based on a combination of the predetermined sub-set of thecommunity cards and a player's private cards.